Prosecutors may decline to press charges because they think it unlikely that a conviction will result. No matter what the prosecutor's personal feelings about the case, the prosecutor needs legally admissible evidence sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Regardless of the severity of the charge, the state only has 175 days after an arrest to file charges, and that is found in Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.191.
In general, Florida's Statute of Limitations provides specific periods for the filing of charges for the general types of crimes and misdemeanors, namely: Felony of the first degree – Within 4 years after it is committed. Any other felony – Within 3 years after it is committed.Jun 22, 2021
For felony cases, this means defendants have the right to have a case be brought to trial within 60 days after the date of the arraignment.Jan 21, 2022